time to beat the blahs with some bike love

With apologies to T.S. Eliot, February is the cruelest month. But it’s also the shortest. And Valentine’s Day is parked right in the middle. So despite leaden skies, endless rivers of slush and major grumpiness in the bike lanes, this is no time to succumb to the winter blahs. With only 47 days left until spring, how about some February bike love?

What says “love” more than enthusiastic volunteers, free chocolates — and one utterly irresistible pug?

Earlier this week Time’s Up!, the grassroots direct-action environmental group, promoted its upcoming Valentine’s Love Your Lane ride and dance party to commuters on the Manhattan Bridge (above). The February 11 event is being organized to show support for cycling infrastructure in New York City and to encourage community around bicycling as eco-friendly transportation. Rock a red wardrobe, decorate your bike whole-heartedly and come bearing treats. Learn more about Time’s Up!

And while we’re on the topic of promoting cycling as healthful, non-polluting and efficient transportation, check out this excellent blog post, Welcoming the New Normal: Why Bike Lanes Matter to Our Future, by Charlie McCorkell, founder and owner of Bicycle Habitat.